Sorry, I could not read the content fromt this page.
Thursday, March 14, 2013
Pokemon Scramble U WiiU New Images
These are some new images of the Nintendo WiiU game Pokemon Scramble U 
More About: Nintendo WiiU, Pokemon Scramble U
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All GameFly used games on sale: Ghost Recon, Persona 4 Arena, Kirby on the cheap
by Richard Mitchell 
on Dec 24th 2012 5:00PM 
With the holiday shopping frenzy drawing to a close, GameFly is now running a sale on all of its used game stock. Games get as cheap as $4.99, though, as you might imagine, the better ones will set you back a bit more. Some of the highlights include Ghost Recon: Future Soldier for $10, Persona 4 Arena for $18, Kirby's Dream Collection for $25 and plenty more across Xbox 360, PS3, DS, 3DS and Wii.
on Dec 24th 2012 5:00PM With the holiday shopping frenzy drawing to a close, GameFly is now running a sale on all of its used game stock. Games get as cheap as $4.99, though, as you might imagine, the better ones will set you back a bit more. Some of the highlights include Ghost Recon: Future Soldier for $10, Persona 4 Arena for $18, Kirby's Dream Collection for $25 and plenty more across Xbox 360, PS3, DS, 3DS and Wii. You can browse available games right here. Just remember, it's probably too late to get any of these under the tree.
Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate WiiU New Images
These are some new images of the Nintendo WiiU game Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate 
More About: Nintendo WiiU, Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Mad Catz sale includes FightSticks, Rock Band gear and more
by Jordan Mallory on Feb 12th 2013 9:30PM 
If you've been in the market for an arcade stick, cheap wired controller or guitar with hundreds and hundreds of buttons on it, now may be the time to slap down some digitally represented dollar bills.
on Feb 12th 2013 9:30PM If you've been in the market for an arcade stick, cheap wired controller or guitar with hundreds and hundreds of buttons on it, now may be the time to slap down some digitally represented dollar bills. Mad Catz has applied 37 to 69-percent discounts on a wide range of its peripheral offerings, dropping its branded SoulCalibur 5 and Street Fighter X Tekken FightSticks down to $100 a pop, its SFXT FightPads down to $20 and various Rock Band 3 instrument bundles to over half off. You can also snag a PS3 version of the limited edition EVO 2012 FightStick for $100, in addition to discounted WWE All Stars sticks/pads and Damage Inc. Pacific Squadron WWII flight stick packs.
Sadly, the sale does not include the Sanrio FightStick, which is still both $160 and the cutest ever.
Pokemon Scramble U WiiU New Images
These are some new images of the Nintendo WiiU game Pokemon Scramble U 
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Rock Band Weekly: The Flys, Queensryche, Staind
by Alexander Sliwinski on Feb 22nd 2013 11:00AM 
After years of writing Rock Band Weekly, we're coming close to its conclusion, with the DLC announcements for April 2 the end of the line. 275 consecutive weeks (over five years) is an impressive run and Harmonix deserves much respect for pulling it off. Xbox 360 / Wii / PS3
Available: February 26 Xbox 360, Wii, PS3 (Feb. 27 in Europe)
The Flys - "Got You (Where I Want You)" (160 MSP / 200 WP / $1.99)*Queensrÿche - "Silent Lucidity" (160 MSP / 200 WP / $1.99)°Staind - "It's Been Awhile" (160 MSP / 200 WP / $1.99)Staind - "So Far Away" (160 MSP / 200 WP / $1.99)°°Tracks feature support for keyboards.
on Feb 22nd 2013 11:00AM After years of writing Rock Band Weekly, we're coming close to its conclusion, with the DLC announcements for April 2 the end of the line. 275 consecutive weeks (over five years) is an impressive run and Harmonix deserves much respect for pulling it off. Xbox 360 / Wii / PS3Available: February 26 Xbox 360, Wii, PS3 (Feb. 27 in Europe)
The Flys - "Got You (Where I Want You)" (160 MSP / 200 WP / $1.99)*Queensrÿche - "Silent Lucidity" (160 MSP / 200 WP / $1.99)°Staind - "It's Been Awhile" (160 MSP / 200 WP / $1.99)Staind - "So Far Away" (160 MSP / 200 WP / $1.99)°°Tracks feature support for keyboards.
*Pro Guitar/Bass expansion available (80 MSP / 100 WP / $0.99)
Monday, March 4, 2013
Iwata: Merging hardware teams could result in more hardware
by JC Fletcher on Feb 5th 2013 1:00PM 
Speaking to investors, Nintendo president Satoru Iwata elaborated on Nintendo's aims regarding the merger of its console and handheld development teams. Iwata takes the surprising stance that putting the two teams together in Kyoto will result in more potential platforms, not fewer.
on Feb 5th 2013 1:00PM Speaking to investors, Nintendo president Satoru Iwata elaborated on Nintendo's aims regarding the merger of its console and handheld development teams. Iwata takes the surprising stance that putting the two teams together in Kyoto will result in more potential platforms, not fewer. "What we are saying is that we would like to integrate software development methods, operating systems, and built-in software and software assets for each platform so that we can use them across different machines," Iwata said. "This means that if we manage to integrate our platforms successfully, we may in fact be able to make more platforms." Iwata explained that the ability to share development resources and assets between teams will allow them to work more efficiently, and that they would be "spread too thinly" if they tried to work on more than the current console and handheld platforms.
As usual, it's impossible to guess what Nintendo is up to in specific terms. "We feel that we are nearing a saturation point in terms of simply improving performance or enhancing graphics," Iwata said. "What is far more important for the future of video games is whether we can make new propositions in other aspects and create games out of something that people never expected to see in the form of a game." The problem with things we never expect to see is that we don't know what to expect, and therefore what to tell you.
Nancy Pelosi says violent media research should be 'comprehensive'
by Jessica Conditt on Feb 11th 2013 8:30PM 
Democratic Minority Leader of the US House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, spoke with Fox News anchor Chris Wallace about President Barack Obama's proposal to research the link between media and violent acts. Pelosi presented a comprehensive approach to research and reform, noting that current evidence didn't suggest violent video games equate violent people.
on Feb 11th 2013 8:30PM Democratic Minority Leader of the US House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, spoke with Fox News anchor Chris Wallace about President Barack Obama's proposal to research the link between media and violent acts. Pelosi presented a comprehensive approach to research and reform, noting that current evidence didn't suggest violent video games equate violent people. "I'm a mother, I'm a grandmother, but the evidence says that in Japan, for example, they have the most violent games than the rest and the lowest mortality from guns," Pelosi said. "I don't know what the explanation is for that except that they might have good gun laws."
Wallace challenged Pelosi, suggesting that it was obvious violent video games had malicious consequences, behind a slide of Black Ops 2 and Grand Theft Auto footage.
"We don't need another study, respectfully," Wallace said. "We know that these video games where people have their heads splattered, these movies, these TV shows – why don't you go to your friends in Hollywood and challenge them, shame them, and say, 'knock it off.'"
Pelosi stepped away from anecdotal evidence and said she wanted hard facts and evidence about violent media, as well as mental health care and assault weapons reform.
"I think we have to do it all, and that's why we included in there we have to take a look at what these games are," Pelosi said. "I don't think we should do anything anecdotally. We have a saying here, 'the plural of anecdote is not data.' So we want to know, what is the evidence, what will really make a difference here? And I think it has to be comprehensive."
Wallace and Pelosi began discussing media and gun violence at the 9:55 mark in the linked Fox News video.
Take-Two Interactive bags 405% year-over-year profit increase during Q3 2013
by Jordan Mallory on Feb 5th 2013 4:55PM 
Take-Two Interactive has released its financial report for the three month period ending on December 31, 2012, or "Q3 2013" in technical terms. The company raked in net revenue (read: gross income) of $415.7 million during that period; a 75.9 percent increase over the $236.3 million it earned in Q3 of fiscal 2012.
on Feb 5th 2013 4:55PM Take-Two Interactive has released its financial report for the three month period ending on December 31, 2012, or "Q3 2013" in technical terms. The company raked in net revenue (read: gross income) of $415.7 million during that period; a 75.9 percent increase over the $236.3 million it earned in Q3 of fiscal 2012. Net income (read: profit) was also up year-over-year, $71.3 million during Q3 2013 versus $14.1 million in 2012, which is an astonishing 405.9 percent increase. Meanwhile, Take-Two's nine month year-to-date figures are reporting a loss of $51.9 million, down from the $41.9 million loss reported at this same time in fiscal 2012.
Revenues accrued from digital sales were up 244 percent year-over-year, an increase that Take-Two attributes to Borderlands, Borderlands 2, XCOM: Enemy Unknown, NBA 2k13, the Grand Theft Auto series and all of those games' respective DLC.
Ashes Cricket 2013 WiiU New Images
These are some new images of the Nintendo WiiU game Ashes Cricket 2013 
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Axl Rose's Guitar Hero 3 lawsuit dismissed
by Richard Mitchell on Feb 11th 2013 12:30PM 
The last vestige of Guns N Roses lead singer Axl Rose's lawsuit against Activision has been dismissed, reports the San Marino Tribune. Originally filed in 2010, Rose's suit alleged that Guitar Hero 3 associated the song "Welcome to the Jungle" with former GNR guitarist Slash. According to Rose, the association constituted both fraud and breach of contract.
on Feb 11th 2013 12:30PM The last vestige of Guns N Roses lead singer Axl Rose's lawsuit against Activision has been dismissed, reports the San Marino Tribune. Originally filed in 2010, Rose's suit alleged that Guitar Hero 3 associated the song "Welcome to the Jungle" with former GNR guitarist Slash. According to Rose, the association constituted both fraud and breach of contract. The judge tossed the fraud claim out of court last year, as the statute of limitations had expired. According to today's report, Judge Charles Palmer has dismissed the breach of contract claim as well.
Thus ends another case in the litany of lawsuits filed against Activision over its music games. Let's recount, shall we?
Oh, and as for the Guitar Hero franchise itself: Dead.Sunday, March 3, 2013
The Walking Dead Survival Instinct WiiU New Images
These are some new images of the Nintendo WiiU game The Walking Dead Survival Instinct 
More About: Nintendo WiiU, The Walking Dead Survival Instinct
Skylanders surpasses 100 million toys sold
by Richard Mitchell on Feb 7th 2013 3:15PM 
Children everywhere are surrounded by tiny monsters, but there's no cause for alarm – unless you're a parent on a budget, that is. Activison has announced that 100 million Skylanders toys have been sold, reports Destructoid. The news comes from Activision's press conference during Toy Fair 2013. Last month, Activision revealed that the franchise has topped $500 million in sales in the United States alone, with $195 million of that number driven by 2012's Skylanders: Giants.
on Feb 7th 2013 3:15PM Children everywhere are surrounded by tiny monsters, but there's no cause for alarm – unless you're a parent on a budget, that is. Activison has announced that 100 million Skylanders toys have been sold, reports Destructoid. The news comes from Activision's press conference during Toy Fair 2013. Last month, Activision revealed that the franchise has topped $500 million in sales in the United States alone, with $195 million of that number driven by 2012's Skylanders: Giants. The publisher recently announced its latest assault on parental wallets, Skylanders Swap Force. The new game, which features a new line of figures with interchangeable parts, will land on (and presumably fly off of) retail shelves this fall.
Angry Birds Trilogy swoops onto Wii U, Wii this year, 1M sold
ACTIVISION AND ROVIO SOAR PAST ONE MILLION ANGRY BIRDSTM TRILOGY UNITS WORLDWIDE
Companies Confirm Plan to Release Angry Birds Trilogy on Wii UTM This Year
London, UK – 14th February 2013 – Activision Publishing, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Activision Blizzard, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI), and Rovio Entertainment today announced that Angry Birds™ Trilogy has soared past one million units sold worldwide. Released in September 2012 on the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft with Kinect™ for Xbox 360 compatibility, the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system with full PlayStation®Move support and the Nintendo 3DS™ hand-held system, Angry Birds Trilogy won fans over by combining Rovio's three legendary mobile titles, Angry Birds, Angry Birds Seasons and Angry Birds Rio, along with new content, levels and features. Building on this success, Activision and Rovio will release Angry Birds Trilogy for Nintendo's Wii™ and Wii U™ systems in 2013.
"Angry Birds' proven formula for fun and addicting gameplay translated perfectly to the big screen and the consumer response has been overwhelming," said Jennifer Mirabelli, VP of Sales and Marketing for Activision Publishing, Inc.
"It was certainly satisfying to see Angry Birds gameplay adapt so well to other platforms in 2012," said Petri Järvilehto, EVP of Games for Rovio. "The features specific to the Wii U are very intriguing to us, so we're excited to release this version to fans."
Completely recreated in striking HD with refined controls, gamers can play Angry Birds Trilogy with all-new animations and interactive backgrounds through 700+ levels with more than 150 hours of addictive gameplay. Angry Birds Trilogy: Anger Management, the recently released DLC pack, features even more content with 130 fan-favourite puzzles like Wreck the Halls and Birdday Party.
Angry Birds Trilogy is rated PEGI 3 and is available now for the Xbox 360 system, the PlayStation3 system and the Nintendo 3DS™ system. For more information, please visit www.activision.com.
About Rovio Entertainment Ltd.
Rovio Entertainment Ltd is an industry-changing entertainment media company headquartered in Finland and the creator of the globally successful Angry Birds franchise. Angry Birds, a casual puzzle game, became an international phenomenon within a few months of its release and is now the number one paid app of all time. Angry Birds have expanded rapidly in entertainment, publishing and licensing to become a beloved international brand. www.rovio.com
About Activision Publishing, Inc.
Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Activision Publishing, Inc. is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and leisure products.
Activision maintains operations in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, Spain, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, Australia, South Korea, China and the region of Taiwan. More information about Activision and its products can be found on the company's website, www.activision.com.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Statements: Information in this press release that involves Activision Publishing's expectations, plans, intentions or strategies regarding the future, including statements about the expected release date are forward-looking statements that are not facts and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause Activision Publishing's actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements set forth in this release include unanticipated product delays and other factors identified in the risk factors sections of Activision Blizzard's most recent annual report on Form 10-K and any subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. The forward-looking statements in this release are based upon information available to Activision Publishing and Activision Blizzard as of the date of this release, and neither Activision Publishing nor Activision Blizzard assumes any obligation to update any such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements believed to be true when made may ultimately prove to be incorrect. These statements are not guarantees of the future performance of Activision Publishing or Activision Blizzard and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond its control and may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations.
Disney Infinity's fourth play set features Pixar's Cars
by Mike Schramm on Feb 6th 2013 11:15PM 
The latest issue of Game Informer has details on the fourth play set announced for Disney Infinity, the Avalanche Software-developed game combining virtual play areas and characters with physical toys. Pixar's Cars universe will join Pirates of the Carribbean, Monsters Inc, and The Incredibles as announced properties contributing a play set to the Disney Infinity platform.
on Feb 6th 2013 11:15PM The latest issue of Game Informer has details on the fourth play set announced for Disney Infinity, the Avalanche Software-developed game combining virtual play areas and characters with physical toys. Pixar's Cars universe will join Pirates of the Carribbean, Monsters Inc, and The Incredibles as announced properties contributing a play set to the Disney Infinity platform. The first three universes are set to be included in a Starter Pack available for $74.99, while play sets like this one will cost $34.99, and add about six to nine hours of gameplay to the proceedings. In addition to the Cars world and the characters (including Lightning McQueen, Mater, Holley Shiftwell and Francesco Bernoulli), the set will also have extra items like track pieces and other goodies from the town of Radiator Springs.
Disney Infinity is set to debut on store shelves this June, and the company says we'll see more play sets announced as ready for launch before then.
Saturday, March 2, 2013
Nintendo returning to Gamescom in 2013
by JC Fletcher on Feb 20th 2013 10:30AM 
Nintendo bailed on Gamescom last year in favor of its own "sampling events" throughout Europe. Nintendo will return to the world's largest video game convention for the 2013 iteration, which takes place in Cologne, Germany from August 21-25.
on Feb 20th 2013 10:30AM Nintendo bailed on Gamescom last year in favor of its own "sampling events" throughout Europe. Nintendo will return to the world's largest video game convention for the 2013 iteration, which takes place in Cologne, Germany from August 21-25. Other publishers attending this year include Bethesda, EA, Konami, WB, the newly gigantic Wargaming, and Deep Silver, who might suddenly have something to show (and something not to show). There's no word yet on whether Microsoft will attend, having skipped last year as well. Nintendo returns to gamescom
• The world's largest trade fair event posts excellent early booking figures
• Console manufacturer Nintendo leads the current list of exhibitors
• Companies from 22 countries have already confirmed their attendance
Preparations for gamescom 2013 are underway. Even now, it is already clear that the world's largest trade fair and event highlight for interactive games and entertainment will continue on its successful journey in its fifth year. After the end of the early booking period (15 February), Koelnmesse posted excellent interim results. In addition to console manufacturer Nintendo, which will be returning to gamescom this year after last exhibiting in 2011, Bethesda Softworks, Bigpoint, Deep Silver/Koch Media, Electronic Arts, Konami, NCsoft, Riot Games, Ubisoft, Wargaming and Warner Bros are some of the other top players that have confirmed their attendance. AK Tronic, astragon, Bigben Interactive, bitComposer, Caseking, CD Projekt, Fishlabs, flashpoint, Gaya Entertainment, Kalypso Media, Korea Creative Content Agency, Mad Catz, Medion, NVIDIA, Razer, Roccat, UKIE and Turtle Entertainment also confirmed by the early booking deadline and will be presenting to the gaming community and trade visitors in Cologne during gamescom. Numerous companies are expanding their space yet again. Exhibitors from 22 countries (+1) have already confirmed their attendance. gamescom will also have exhibitors from Brazil for the first time. France, Great Britain, Hong Kong, Iran, Korea, Singapore, Spain and Taiwan have already registered their country pavilions alongside others. A total of 12 country pavilions have currently been registered or are being planned (+1), which means that gamescom is also continuing on its successful course in terms of its internationality. The international roadshow aimed at media and trade visitors abroad is set to begin soon. Tim Endres, gamescom Project Manager: "The next chapter of gamescom is being written and once again promises the best in entertainment. Nintendo's return is an absolute highlight for our community, exhibitors and trade visitors from around the world. We are also in very promising talks with other key players in the industry with regard to gamescom 2013." "The participation of Nintendo clearly demonstrates that the industry remains wholly behind gamescom. We are looking forward to a strong gamescom in 2013", said Dr. Maximilian Schenk, Managing Director of the BIU – the German Trade Association of Interactive Entertainment Software.
Retro City Rampage hits WiiWare Feb. 28, bonus content on the way
[== Retro City Rampage WiiWare, Prototype ROM, Steam Sale ==]
[== THE RUNDOWN ==]
• WiiWare Version, AVAILABLE NEXT WEEK
• Bonus, Prototype ROM To Be Included
• PC/Steam will also get the ROM via a free update, same day
• 50% Off Steam Sale, ON NOW
Retro City Rampage finally hits WiiWare in North America and Europe on February 28th (next week).
As a special bonus, both the WiiWare and PC/Steam (via a free update on the same day) versions will include the "ROM City Rampage" Prototype.
Experience what Retro City Rampage could've been like if it were actually released in the '80s, as a 100% NES hardware-accurate ROM.
Imagine if Retro City Rampage was released on the NES back in the day! It WAS technologically possible, and "ROM City Rampage" proves it!
That's not all! The PC/Steam version is on sale through this weekend for 50% off.
http://store.steampowered.com/app/204630
[== FULL DETAILS ==]
[Wii]
• Retro City Rampage hits WiiWare in North America/Europe Thursday, February 28th
• It's only 1000 Points ($10, $5 less than the HD version MSRP)
• Supports the Wii Remote, Classic Controller, Classic Controller Pro and Game Cube Controller (Classic Controller recommended)
• Supports optional Wii Remote shake to pick up and throw (can also use a button)
• It's for the original Wii, but remember that you can also access the Wii eShop via your Wii U's Wii Mode
[Prototype Version, "ROM City Rampage"]
• Also Available February 28th
• Playable within the game's arcade alongside Virtual Meat Boy, BIT.TRIP: Retro City and Epic Meal Time
• Included in the Wii version, will be added to PC/Steam via a free update
• Steam updates automatically. For the DRM-Free version, log into your download page to grab the new version
Ubisoft sales crest $1 billion during Q3
by Jordan Mallory on Feb 7th 2013 12:15PM 
Ubisoft's performance figures for the three month period ending December 31, 2012 have been released, and while we don't have specific net/operating/sticky/whatever income figures on account of the company's Frenchness, we do have an overall indication of how it performed in Q3. Which is to say, pretty good.
on Feb 7th 2013 12:15PM Ubisoft's performance figures for the three month period ending December 31, 2012 have been released, and while we don't have specific net/operating/sticky/whatever income figures on account of the company's Frenchness, we do have an overall indication of how it performed in Q3. Which is to say, pretty good. Sales for the period totaled €802 million ($1.07 billion), which is a 23 percent increase over the €652 million reported for the same quarter last year. Ubisoft's nine month year-to-date figures are also outperforming last year's: €1.08 billion ($1.45 billion) versus €900 million by this time last year, an increase of 21 percent.
Ubisoft attributes a large amount of this income with Assassin's Creed 3's 12 million shipped units and Far Cry 3's critical success, in addition to a 143 percent year-over-year increase in digital sales, totaling €55.2 million ($74.3 million).
Activision Blizzard sees 'best performance in history' during 2012
by Jordan Mallory on Feb 7th 2013 4:49PM 
Activision Blizzard and its many, many franchises brought in $4.85 billion dollars in net revenue over the course of calendar 2012, with $1.76 billion of that hitting its coffers during the three month period ending on December 31, 2012. Digital sales represented 32 percent of that total annual new revenue, raking in $1.54 billion.
on Feb 7th 2013 4:49PM Activision Blizzard and its many, many franchises brought in $4.85 billion dollars in net revenue over the course of calendar 2012, with $1.76 billion of that hitting its coffers during the three month period ending on December 31, 2012. Digital sales represented 32 percent of that total annual new revenue, raking in $1.54 billion. As far as actual profit is concerned, Activision Blizzard reports net post-tax income of $1.14 billion for the year and $354 million for Q4; a 5.8 and 257 percent year-over-year increase, respectively.
"Activision Blizzard delivered the best performance in its history," CEO Bobby Kotick said in the financial statement. "In the short-term, we expect to continue delivering strong profitability, but below our record setting 2012 performance, due to a challenged global economy, the ongoing console transition and a difficult year-over-year comparison because of Blizzard's record-shattering Diablo 3 success in 2012."
In addition to said Diablo 3 success, Activision Blizzard also lists Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, Black Ops 2 and Skylanders among the many reasons that it had such a successful year, with Skylanders as a series having crested $1 billion in lifetime sales.
Looking forward, Activision Blizzard anticipates total net revenues for calendar 2013 to ring up at $4.08 billion, with $1.16 billion of that being generated during the year's first quarter.
Now Playing: February 11-17, 2013
by Steven Wong on Feb 11th 2013 7:00PM Sorry, I could not read the content fromt this page.
on Feb 11th 2013 7:00PM Sorry, I could not read the content fromt this page.Friday, March 1, 2013
Rock Band Weekly: Iron Maiden, Queen, Great White, Avenged Sevenfold
by Alexander Sliwinski on Feb 2nd 2013 10:30AM 
As was the case a couple weeks back, every new track available for the Rock Band music store next week is a song off Harmonix's Rock Band Blitz. Reminder: All 25 tracks from the $15 Rock Band Blitz are compatible with Rock Band with purchase. Xbox 360 / Wii / PS3
Available: February 5 Xbox 360, Wii, PS3 (Feb. 6 in Europe)
Avenged Sevenfold - "So Far Away" (160 MSP / 200 WP / $1.99)°Great White - "Once Bitten Twice Shy" (160 MSP / 200 WP / $1.99)°*Iron Maiden - "The Wicker Man" (160 MSP / 200 WP / $1.99)°Queen - "Death on Two Legs" (160 MSP / 200 WP / $1.99)°°Tracks feature support for keyboards.
on Feb 2nd 2013 10:30AM As was the case a couple weeks back, every new track available for the Rock Band music store next week is a song off Harmonix's Rock Band Blitz. Reminder: All 25 tracks from the $15 Rock Band Blitz are compatible with Rock Band with purchase. Xbox 360 / Wii / PS3Available: February 5 Xbox 360, Wii, PS3 (Feb. 6 in Europe)
Avenged Sevenfold - "So Far Away" (160 MSP / 200 WP / $1.99)°Great White - "Once Bitten Twice Shy" (160 MSP / 200 WP / $1.99)°*Iron Maiden - "The Wicker Man" (160 MSP / 200 WP / $1.99)°Queen - "Death on Two Legs" (160 MSP / 200 WP / $1.99)°°Tracks feature support for keyboards.
*Pro Guitar/Bass expansion available (80 MSP / 100 WP / $0.99)
Toys for Bob and Vicarious Visions on keeping annual Skylanders 'magic' alive
by Bags Hooper on Feb 6th 2013 5:45PM 
Since first launching in 2011, Activision has turned its toy-powered gaming franchise Skylanders into an annual release. The third game in the series, Skylanders: Swap Force, is set to arrive this fall and will allow players to mix-and-match parts of 16 new toys for over 250 in game character combinations. 
The two studios are fully invested in the Skylanders project and don't have any other projects in the works. "This is our entire focus," Guha Bala, co-head of Vicarious Visions [top, right], told Joystiq. "Between the two studios, that's all we're working on," Reiche added.
Of course innovation isn't without a cost. Swap Force will only be available as a starter pack, as the franchise's original portals – where players place their figures to transport them into the game – will not be able to read new swap figures. The new Starter pack, which is expected to retail for $74.99, will include the new base as well as two Swap Force characters and one 'Core' character, a standard Skylander.
on Feb 6th 2013 5:45PM Since first launching in 2011, Activision has turned its toy-powered gaming franchise Skylanders into an annual release. The third game in the series, Skylanders: Swap Force, is set to arrive this fall and will allow players to mix-and-match parts of 16 new toys for over 250 in game character combinations. Despite the franchise's success, solidifying it as an annual title in Activision's portfolio, it may not be immune to its new schedule. Activision has walked this road before, with the once-popular Guitar Hero franchise buckling under its own weight of too many releases in too short a time period. But Paul Reiche, Studio President at Toys for Bob [above, left], believes that innovation is the key to growing the franchise; innovation that will keep the "magic" alive for children.
"The way that we're going to succeed is by ensuring that every year we have a meaningful innovation both in the toys and in the software as well," Reiche told Joystiq. Though Toys for Bob first developed Skylanders and launched its successor, Skylanders Giants, in 2012, developer Vicarious Visions has taken over to help the third entry in the series – a studio that developed ports and iOS games in the Skylanders universe and, at one time, helped Activision port the Guitar Hero franchise to mobile and Nintendo platforms.
Going forward, both Toys for Bob and Vicarious Visions will lead the charge for Activision's Skylanders series. The two developers first collaborated in 2003, before Vicarious Visions became a part of Activision, on Disney Extreme Skate Adventure. Although Toys for Bob isn't heading development, they are still providing daily input on the toy design, character images and level feedback.
The two studios are fully invested in the Skylanders project and don't have any other projects in the works. "This is our entire focus," Guha Bala, co-head of Vicarious Visions [top, right], told Joystiq. "Between the two studios, that's all we're working on," Reiche added. While Vicarious Visions takes the lead on Swap Force, Reiche has been exploring ways to innovate on the line. Last week was the first time he visited Skylanders' toy manufacturing facility in Shenzhen, China. Reiche wants to be more aware of the manufacturing process so that he can hone his craft and come up with new ideas for the toy line. He admitted that seeing the workers hand paint the Jet Vac's yellow talons was a joy.
As for next gen, Bala doesn't see technology, platform or rendering features as a driving force for the franchise. For Skylanders, his goal is to find play patterns that are enriching for kids and bring those concepts to life. The Swap Force concept hearkens back to the days when children broke apart their GI Joe toys and mixed and matched the tops and bottoms of their action figures. Bala hopes to stay ahead of the technology curve, by looking to simple ideas that make you think in new ways. "The fundamental experience will be about the magic of the toys."
Of course innovation isn't without a cost. Swap Force will only be available as a starter pack, as the franchise's original portals – where players place their figures to transport them into the game – will not be able to read new swap figures. The new Starter pack, which is expected to retail for $74.99, will include the new base as well as two Swap Force characters and one 'Core' character, a standard Skylander.
Activision has long-term ambitions for its successful franchise. "We have goals of making this a 10 to 20 year franchise that becomes a staple for kids," Joshua Taub, Vice President of Skylanders Business told Joystiq. The Giants franchise alone took in 195 million during Q4, while the entire franchise topped 500 million in sales. Toy sales continue to be "strong" across both lines.
Bags Hooper is a writer based out of Brooklyn, New York. He has contributed to multiple outlets, including BuzzFocus, USA Network, Showtime's Pop Tudors, Monsters & Critics and FHM. You can follow him on Twitter at @BagsHooper.Game Wario WiiU New Images
These are some new images of the Nintendo WiiU game Game Wario 
More About: Nintendo WiiU, Game Wario
Now Playing: February 18-24, 2013
by Steven Wong on Feb 18th 2013 5:45PM Sorry, I could not read the content fromt this page.
on Feb 18th 2013 5:45PM Sorry, I could not read the content fromt this page.Skylanders Swap Force assembles this fall, developed by Vicarious Visions
by David Hinkle on Feb 5th 2013 2:15AM 
Skylanders proprietors Toys for Bob will step aside for the latest franchise installment, Skylanders Swap Force. Vicarious Visions is handling development this time, which Activision says will allow Toys for Bob the space and freedom to come up with their next thing.
on Feb 5th 2013 2:15AM Skylanders proprietors Toys for Bob will step aside for the latest franchise installment, Skylanders Swap Force. Vicarious Visions is handling development this time, which Activision says will allow Toys for Bob the space and freedom to come up with their next thing. The main toy gimmick of Skylanders Swap Force is simple: 16 new special figures have inter-connecting torsos and bottom halves. Once you've combined two pieces, you place the resulting amalgam on the portal to realize your creation within the game. I replaced the tentacle-laden bottom half of a squid with the electricity wheel of a robotic Skylander, making my new squid-machine hybrid much more agile. Tentacle feet aren't an ideal form of transportation on land.
Skylanders Swap Force is still early in development, so I wasn't able to see much in the way of gameplay – there was only one small area and a miniboss encounter, and it was a hands-off demo. Vicarious Visions has added jumping, though, one of the most requested features missing from the last two games.
Of course, Skylanders Swap Force is compatible with all the previously released Skylanders figures. Swap Force will also present 32 new core Skylanders figures – 16 are new and the rest are updated versions of older figures. Considering the potential of lost halves, Activision tells me its customer support team will be ready to help replace or otherwise assist with any issues the new figures incur.
The Skylanders Swap Force starter pack will come with a copy of Skylanders Swap Force, the new portal, two Swap characters and one standard Skylander. Old portals from Skylanders and Skylanders Giants will be incompatible with Swap Force.
Skylanders Swap Force will launch on the Xbox 360, PS3, Wii U, Wii and 3DS. The Wii version is being developed by Beenox, while the 3DS version is coming from n-Space.
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